Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

12 April 2007

Public does not believe Labour over crime

A public opinion survey shows the public does not believe the Labour-NZ First Government's claims that it is on top of crime.

National's Justice & Corrections spokesman, Simon Power, says a UMR survey, conducted in February and March and published in Police News, shows the single biggest issue by far worrying New Zealanders is crime and violence.

Of those surveyed, when asked what was the country's "most important problem", 17.3% said crime and violence, 9.3% healthcare, 9.2% the economy, 6.3% welfare/poverty, 6.0% ethical/moral/family decline issues.

"This shows clearly that the public does not believe what this Government says about crime, and the figures for 2006 bear this out.

"Crime increased by 4.1%, with violence up 5%, sex crimes 8%, sexual attacks 14%, burglaries 6%, dishonesty 60%, receiving stolen goods 31%, drugs and anti-social offences up 6%, and busts for new drugs ('P') up 19%.

"That is a very disturbing picture, but most disturbing is the increase in violent crime, with kidnapping and abduction up 30%, robbery 27%, grievous assaults 7%, and serious assaults 7%.

"The 2006 figures continue the upward trend under this Government.

"Since 1999, violent crime has risen 28%, with kidnapping and abduction up 65%, robbery 57%, grievous assaults 51%, and serious assaults 25%.

"And the prison system is a mess, with violence, contraband and corruption skyrocketing.

"The numbers do not lie, and it is time this Government admitted it has a problem."

ENDS

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